Sister Act

If you wanted a ‘feel-good factor’ evening out, then this was it! The story tells of Deloris Van Cartier as a nightclub singer who needs to go into hiding after witnessing a murder, and where better to hide than in a convent!

From the moment it opened up in the nightclub you knew you were in for a musical treat, all musical numbers were very tight and performed to a high standard.  The harmonies had obviously been well taught by Ian Room as musical director and were equally well performed by members of the cast. The chorus of nuns certainly thrilled the audience with their musical contributions.

Montana Moyo, as Deloris, was making her debut with WOS and what a talent she is, her vocals never wavered and she continued to stay in character throughout, no mean feat for such a young actress. Vicki Hardy held the story together displaying all of her experience as Mother Superior and sang with a richness in her voice. The other named nuns were a joy to watch, each with their individual characteristics, Melissa Westhead (Sister Mary Patrick) and Jayne Ison (Sister Mary Lazarus) had obviously studied their characters with great detail, however, I must make special mention of Sarah Washington as the young Sister Mary Robert, her first principal role with the society, she certainly knows how to perform a song with a voice to match.

This is a show where the men are lurking in the shadows for most of it, however, Nick Room, Jack Dolaghan and Aaron Inman delivered a good helping of humour to the script, performing in the style of ‘The Jersey Boys’, their musical numbers were very well received by an appreciative audience. Mention too of Brett Dewsbury as Eddie Souther, Adam Merrell as the villainous Curtis Shank and Ian Shephard as Monsignor O’Hara all came to the fore when needed to.

The musical numbers were well accompanied by an experienced and accomplished orchestra under the direction of Ian Room, the dance numbers were taxing at times but the cast certainly overcame any difficulty with great effect, certainly well drilled by choreographer Laura Canadine. The whole show was well directed by Adam Lacey and nothing was left to chance, everything seems to happen without any fuss and shows seem to run so smoothly.

Once again, congratulations to all involved with this production, I can’t wait for the next one!

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